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15 Years of the Cassirer Welz Award and announcement of the 2025 Award Winner

19 Aug 2025

In 2011, Nobel Prize winner Nadine Gordimer founded this prestigious award, inspired by her husband Reinhold Cassirer’s deep love for the arts. The recognition has evolved into one of South Africa’s most respected platforms for celebrating emerging artistic talent both locally and from the Sub-Saharan Region. When Stephan Welz (Founder member and Managing Director of Strauss & Co) passed away, the award was renamed the Cassirer Welz Award, paying tribute to both men’s significant impact on the country’s cultural landscape.

For fifteen years, the Cassirer Welz Award sponsored by Strauss & Co, has been a beacon of support for young career artists, providing them with a transformative residency experience at the Bag Factory Artists’ Studios.

After fifteen years of nurturing creative excellence, both Bag Factory Artists’ Studios andStrauss & Co Education remain steadfast in their dedication to champion the next generation of contemporary African artists.

From the numerous applications received for this year’s edition of the award, 5 artists were shortlisted for the final judging process.  These are: Smiso Cele (South Africa), Fiona Davhana (South Africa), Ditiro Mashigo (South Africa), Swaline Mkhonto (South Africa), and Chidimma Nwafor (Nigeria).

We are delighted to announce the winner of the Cassirer Welz Award 2025 Smiso Cele,who will be awarded a 3-month artists residency at Bag Factory Artists’ Studios, culminating in a solo exhibition.

To further celebrate the longevity of the Award as well as Strauss & Co’s commitment, Bag Factory Artists’ Studios, will host an exhibition celebrating the creative path of the winners to date with a group exhibition opening on 30th August, titled Trajectories

In 2025 the Award is made possible with the ongoing support of Strauss & Co and additionally funded by the French Institute of South Africa.

“For the French Institute of South Africa, supporting the 15th edition of the Cassirer Welz Award reflects our wider mission to nurture cultural exchange and creative talent. The award aligns with our own goal to provide emerging African artists with a platform for mentorship, growth, and meaningful engagement with the wider industry,” 

– Dorine Lebreton, cultural attaché and deputy director.

The 2025 Cassirer Welz Award was hosted by Strauss & Co during Art Club in Johannesburg. Learn more about Art Club here.

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